‘Patience’ will make the difference in Alaska-GlobalPort series, says Compton
Alaska head coach Alex Compton reacts to a play. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Patience. Patience. Patience. A lot of it, could spell a difference in the Smart Bro PBA semifinal series between Alaska and GlobalPort.
Hard fouls and other highly-physical plays have become a common sight in the first two games and it looks like the trend will continue with the series now leveled at one game apiece.
“It’s gonna be tough and physical. Both teams have really worked hard, doing everything they can so I think it will be a long series,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
The heat of the young series nearly blew out of proportion on Wednesday when a scuffle ensued near the end of the first quarter. When the dust of the commotion had settled, 13 players and officials from both camps were charged with technical fouls.
While Compton agrees that physicality is part of the game and things like that just happens, he hopes his charges will be able to hold their emotions in check at all times.
“Whatever happens, I just want my guys to play. If we get caught up in a situation, say, nasiko nya ako kailangan ko bumawi hindi mo iniisip yung dapat mong gawin (sa team). Don’t get caught up in that because it distracts us from trying to be the best team. So yeah, I think patience will make a difference in the series,” said Compton, who speaks fluent Tagalog you wouldn’t think he’s an American if you don’t know the man.
“You get elbowed, you get held or somebody gives you a hard foul – that’s basketball. You just play. Sa akin wala naman namamatay dito, so just play. You’re gonna take shots, you get bloodied, fine. No big deal.”
The Alaska coach is also convinced their 100-76 victory in Game 2 changes the complexion of the series. “Kung down kami 2-0 mahirap, mabigat na. Ngayon best-of-5 lang. It’s a big difference from being down 2-0.”
Still, Compton stressed their success depends largely on their ability to sustain their defensive energy and anticipate GlobalPort’s adjustment. Those two factors, he said, remains a big if.
“Anticipating their adjustments will be exceptionally hard and sustaining our defense? We poured a lot of energy tonight, I don’t know if we’ll have that energy in Game 3. But I really hope we do,” he said.
As for Terrence Romeo, Compton said the explosive GlobalPort scoring machine, remains a tough problem to solve.
After scoring a record 41-points in Game 1, the Batang Pier superstar guard managed just half of that output in Game 2 although the unassuming Alaska mentor is not convinced they have defended him well.
“No way. He’s a great player. To have 20 of your teams 76 points to me that’s impressive. We have a game plan of stopping him but I don’t think 20 points is stopping him.” (Dave Coros)
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